There can be no doubt now that Australia's period of world dominance is over. Having lost their first series on home turf in nearly two decades, to one of their traditional rivals (and some might say whipping boys) South Africa, following its loss to India abroad, Australia's seemingly endless period of victory after victory, with barely a loss to be seen, has ended. Finding itself down 2-0, with one more test Australia needs to not lose in order to save its number 1 world ranking, the result brings to the forefront a boring and tired side, and changes that selectors must make in order to give Australia any chance of coming back.
The only thing stopping one from saying that Australia is not the best cricketing country in the world anymore is the selectors' obvious mistakes. They persisted with an out of form Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds, and even picked the latter through injury which ruled the all rounder out of bowling his medium pacers, and hampered him in the field. Their unresponsiveness to the problem of Australia's pace attack is also worrying. From their pathetic performance in failing to bowl South Africa out for less than 400 in the second innings, the selectors' only change was to replace one mediocre off spinner with another (Jason Krejza out for Nathan Hauritz).
Meanwhile in domestic cricket, the top 3 runs scorers for the Sheffield Shield are all currently or have been opening the batting, with Michael Klinger on 900+ runs already after half a season, the ever consistent Chris Rogers still scoring runs for what must be the 5th season in a row, and 19 year old excitement machine Phil Hughes doing magnificently in a poor NSW side. All 3 are capable of replacing Hayden, so one wonders why the selectors have not only left him in the side for the 3rd test, but even went as far as to say that they didn't expect him to retire, rather they felt he could play a role in the future. Furthermore, the selectors' continual recycling of Andrew Symonds can only be interpreted as either incompetence or a need to please sponsors putting Symonds' mug on their products in regular ads during the cricket. Symonds' selection after a handful of games in domestic cricket for Queensland, of which he failed to score a single 50 and had an average only a bowler would be proud of, was wrong enough in itself, but his continual waste of chances and the selectors' failure to respond is just as bad. Even injured ahead of the Boxing Day test, the selectors left out an in form Shane Watson for Symonds.
On the bright side, selectors have brought in a new face to the team, with Symonds finally unable to take his spot, in comes Victorian Andrew McDonald, a genuine all rounder who averages 46 with the bat and 24 with the ball this season. McDonald, at 27, has been named in extended World Cup and Champions Trophy squads, but his selection is almost as surprising and sudden as it is deserved. A key part of Victoria's undefeated season this year, it is pleasing to see selectors finally select an inform 'youngster' rather than recycling older players.
Another key inclusion to the squad is Doug Bollinger, who was unlucky to play no cricket on Australia's tour of India despite being in the squad throughout, who will battle with Ben Hilfenhaus for the spot vacated by Brett Lee's injury. One hopes that the selectors will persist with one of the two swing specialists ahead of Lee, whose recent form has been poor, pace down and penetration almost nonexistent. Meanwhile there are other options too, such as the inform Dirk Nannes, whose breakthrough county season for Middlesex has been followed up with him the leading wicket taker for the Shield, despite missing one match through injury, and being taken out of the attack by umpires for an entire innings after bowling three consecutive full tosses (two of which were beamers). Nannes is almost a slower Jeff Thomson or even Shaun Tait, reckless and unafraid to hurt batsmen, but also picking up wickets. Nannes even knocked out batsman David Bandy with a lethal bouncer just last week.
Australia's key to success from here on lies with its selections. Australian selectors can no longer afford the luxury of giving veterans 'just one more chance' to perform. If Australia does not respond accordingly, it will find itself blown out of the water, and perhaps even lose the Ashes in 2009. A new year dawns, and with it a new era of cricket. Can Australia survive atop the world rankings? Only time, and selectors, will tell.
Showing posts with label Andrew Symonds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andrew Symonds. Show all posts
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Monday, 10 November 2008
Australia - defeated and now a little vulnerable
As many had predicted, Australia did indeed lose their series in India. In the final analysis, they were twice thrashed and shaded one of the two draws: it was a humbling series, leading many to question whether they are the best side in the world any longer. India were disappointing in their recent series with Sri Lanka and South Africa – so, if the latter can gain a draw and a win from their two up-and-coming series, they could justifiably call themselves the world’s best.
Amidst all the gloom, there were three significant positives to emerge for Australia. Off-spinner Jason Krezja made a spectacular debut in the final game, claiming twelve scalps – although his economy rate of almost five illustrates that he received plenty of stick. But a wicket-taking spinner, even one who needs to improve his control, is something Australia needed and may just have found.
Shane Watson, batting at number six, mirrored Andrew Flintoff’s role in the England side. And there were signs the enigma can replicate his limited-overs form in Tests. He found batting hard, but hinted that he is capable of Test hundreds. And his reverse-swing and control evoked Flintoff: he was Australia’s best seamer. That was not saying too much, however, as Brett Lee had a torrid time, Stuart Clark proved toothless and Mitchell Johnson struggled after a fine start. From this vantage point, England will hope to have the better pace attack come next summer.
Finally, the unobtrusive Simon Katich had a fine series, averaging nearly 50. Unlike England with Mark Ramprakash, Australia have ignored age and past Test failings to reward first-class brilliance: Katich, with three hundreds in seven Tests since his recall, is fully vindicating them. His minimalist technique and eschewing of risk, save for the very occasional injudicious shot, made him invaluable at the top, while he even displayed the ability to dominate the bowling. Just as Justin Langer transformed himself from tenacious scrapper to top-order dominator, so could Katich.
But, save for Michael Hussey, the other batting was disappointing. Matthew Hayden fought hard but appears in decline: Australia’s selectors must be tempted to select Shaun Marsh soon. Ricky Ponting faded badly after beginning with a century, ensuring his record in India remains grim.
In the absence of Andrew Symonds and a spinner in whom they could trust, Australia’s team selection and on-field tactics were more confused than for years. Cameron White, a spinner who barely bowled, batted at eight, leaving Australia with only three bona fida bowlers. And Ponting resorted to a part-timer, in Michael Clarke, too much – he bowled only eight overs fewer than White – even though Katich looked the far more threatening spinner. His over-reliance on spin on the fourth afternoon of the final Test led Allan Border to criticise him for putting pocket before country. Had he bowled his seamers instead of part-timers, the over-rate would have suffered more, as would Ponting’s pocket – but Harbhajan and Dhoni may not have been able to share a crucial hundred partnership.
Amidst all the talk of empires ending, it is worth recalling that Australia were beaten in India in 2001 too. But that series was won by Herculean, career-defining efforts from Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman; man-for-man, no one thought Australia the inferior side. On this occasion, they have simply been worn down by a side superior in top- and middle-order batting, wicket-keeping, spinners and even, almost incredibly, pace. That is something altogether more worrying.
Amidst all the gloom, there were three significant positives to emerge for Australia. Off-spinner Jason Krezja made a spectacular debut in the final game, claiming twelve scalps – although his economy rate of almost five illustrates that he received plenty of stick. But a wicket-taking spinner, even one who needs to improve his control, is something Australia needed and may just have found.
Shane Watson, batting at number six, mirrored Andrew Flintoff’s role in the England side. And there were signs the enigma can replicate his limited-overs form in Tests. He found batting hard, but hinted that he is capable of Test hundreds. And his reverse-swing and control evoked Flintoff: he was Australia’s best seamer. That was not saying too much, however, as Brett Lee had a torrid time, Stuart Clark proved toothless and Mitchell Johnson struggled after a fine start. From this vantage point, England will hope to have the better pace attack come next summer.
Finally, the unobtrusive Simon Katich had a fine series, averaging nearly 50. Unlike England with Mark Ramprakash, Australia have ignored age and past Test failings to reward first-class brilliance: Katich, with three hundreds in seven Tests since his recall, is fully vindicating them. His minimalist technique and eschewing of risk, save for the very occasional injudicious shot, made him invaluable at the top, while he even displayed the ability to dominate the bowling. Just as Justin Langer transformed himself from tenacious scrapper to top-order dominator, so could Katich.
But, save for Michael Hussey, the other batting was disappointing. Matthew Hayden fought hard but appears in decline: Australia’s selectors must be tempted to select Shaun Marsh soon. Ricky Ponting faded badly after beginning with a century, ensuring his record in India remains grim.
In the absence of Andrew Symonds and a spinner in whom they could trust, Australia’s team selection and on-field tactics were more confused than for years. Cameron White, a spinner who barely bowled, batted at eight, leaving Australia with only three bona fida bowlers. And Ponting resorted to a part-timer, in Michael Clarke, too much – he bowled only eight overs fewer than White – even though Katich looked the far more threatening spinner. His over-reliance on spin on the fourth afternoon of the final Test led Allan Border to criticise him for putting pocket before country. Had he bowled his seamers instead of part-timers, the over-rate would have suffered more, as would Ponting’s pocket – but Harbhajan and Dhoni may not have been able to share a crucial hundred partnership.
Amidst all the talk of empires ending, it is worth recalling that Australia were beaten in India in 2001 too. But that series was won by Herculean, career-defining efforts from Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman; man-for-man, no one thought Australia the inferior side. On this occasion, they have simply been worn down by a side superior in top- and middle-order batting, wicket-keeping, spinners and even, almost incredibly, pace. That is something altogether more worrying.
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Test XI of 2007-2008
With the batting order already set out, the bowling line up for the statistical side of the year is revealed...
Top 6 Opening Bowlers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Steyn (SAF) - ave 16.24 / s/r 28.90 / eco 3.36
Lee (AUS) - ave 20.57 / s/r 42.2 / eco 2.92
Sidebottom (ENG) - ave 25.39 / s/r 54.10 / eco 2.81
Vaas (SRL) - ave 25.50 / s/r 54.10 / eco 2.82
Zhan (IND) - ave 25.52 / s/r 48.50 / eco 3.15
Martin (NZL) - ave 26.90 / s/r 51.80 / eco 3.11
Top 3 First Change Bowlers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Clark (AUS) - ave 31.00 / s/r 64.00 / eco 2.90
M. Morkel (SAF) - ave 31.35 / s/r 50.90 / eco 3.69
R.P. Singh (IND) - ave 39.32 / s/r 58.30 / eco 4.04
(Chris Tremlett (ENG) (ave 29.69 / s/r 66.00 / eco 2.69) was the best performing first change bowler of the year, but only played three matches versus India)
Top 3 Spinners (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Muralitharan (SRL) - ave 24.39 / s/r 54.50 / eco 2.68
Panesar (ENG) - ave 31.40 / s/r 63.80 / eco 2.95
Harris (SAF) - ave 31.66 / s/r 54.5 / eco 2.62
So the Test XI of 2007-2008, as indicated by the statistics, is as follows:
Virender Sehwag (IND)
Neil McKenzie (SAF)
Kumar Sangakkara (SRL)
Mahela Jayawardene (c) (SRL)
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WIN)
Andrew Symonds (AUS)
Kamran Akmal (wk) (PAK)
Brett Lee (AUS)
Stuart Clark (AUS)
Dale Steyn (SAF)
Muttiah Muralitharan (SRL)
Some Thoughts...
The immediately striking feature of this list is that it contains not one single England player. Furthermore, only Alistair Cook made it into the top three for any one position in the batting line up. On the bowling front both Ryan Sidebottom (who but for many a dropped catch would have been in the XI) and Monty Panesar put in good showings. Furthermore, both Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad would have figured were it not for their lack of games over the past twelve months. This indicates well where England's problems, the batting line up should be under careful scrutiny over the coming months.
The wicket keeping situation is of particular interest also. The three leading run scoring wicket keepers are not the three best wicket keepers in terms of dismissals. Whilst the number of chances created, types of chances created and type of bowler kept to obviously effect these statistics, it is still an interesting point. Most cricket fans would take Gilchrist or McCullum over Akmal, Prior or Dhoni.
Neil McKenzie and Virender Sehwag have obviously benefitted from flat tracks this past year, with a double hundred and triple hundred scored by each respecitively on the same placid wicket. However, this is a statistical XI and to have compiled such vast innings takes huge amounts of concentration, desire and skill. Matthew Hayden and Younus Khan meanwhile would have pipped McKenzie and Kumar Sangakkara, were it not for the latter two's cash-in games against Bangladesh.
Mahela Jayawardene (even discounting games against Bangladesh) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul were the stand out batsmen of the year. Both of them taumented England at different stages in the year and have shown an aptitude for not giving their wickets away. They are two batsmen deserving of the utmost respect and it would have beeen interesting to see how they would have performed in the Australian side over the past decade.
Andrew Symonds has emerged as an integral cog in the Australian middle order. For the purposes of this review only his batting was considered, but he did also boast an average of 25.27 and strike rate of 55.60 with the ball in the last twelve months. When put together with his superbly athletic fielding, he is a formidable package indeed, being able to bowl both accurate and swinging medium pace and off-spinners as well.
Dale Steyn's figures meanwhile deserve a remark. To take 78 wickets in 12 months is remarkable, even if 14 of those came in Bangladesh. He is a frightening prospect who appears to be realising his potential and the upcoming tours of England and Australia will show just how good he, and team mate Morne Morkel, are.
The final comment must be about the spin bowling department. There is no surprise about the leader here, but some concerning second and third. Both England and South Africa have notoriously been missing a quality spinner for well in excess of a decade. Monty Panesar and Paul Harris share much in common. They are out and out spin bowlers and do not pretend to be multi-faceted cricketers, although they do work hard. They have both done well to come in well ahead of Daniel Vettori, Harbajhan Singh and Danish Kaneria, although Anil Kumble was close (ave 32.68 / s/r 61.50/ eco 3.18). Meanwhile, the Australian spin bowling duo of Stuart MacGill and Brad Hogg, did not manage to average below 60 with the ball. The Australian seamers have so far been good enough to make up for this failing, but will that continue? We shall have to wait and see.
Top 6 Opening Bowlers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Steyn (SAF) - ave 16.24 / s/r 28.90 / eco 3.36
Lee (AUS) - ave 20.57 / s/r 42.2 / eco 2.92
Sidebottom (ENG) - ave 25.39 / s/r 54.10 / eco 2.81
Vaas (SRL) - ave 25.50 / s/r 54.10 / eco 2.82
Zhan (IND) - ave 25.52 / s/r 48.50 / eco 3.15
Martin (NZL) - ave 26.90 / s/r 51.80 / eco 3.11
Top 3 First Change Bowlers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Clark (AUS) - ave 31.00 / s/r 64.00 / eco 2.90
M. Morkel (SAF) - ave 31.35 / s/r 50.90 / eco 3.69
R.P. Singh (IND) - ave 39.32 / s/r 58.30 / eco 4.04
(Chris Tremlett (ENG) (ave 29.69 / s/r 66.00 / eco 2.69) was the best performing first change bowler of the year, but only played three matches versus India)
Top 3 Spinners (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Muralitharan (SRL) - ave 24.39 / s/r 54.50 / eco 2.68
Panesar (ENG) - ave 31.40 / s/r 63.80 / eco 2.95
Harris (SAF) - ave 31.66 / s/r 54.5 / eco 2.62
So the Test XI of 2007-2008, as indicated by the statistics, is as follows:
Virender Sehwag (IND)
Neil McKenzie (SAF)
Kumar Sangakkara (SRL)
Mahela Jayawardene (c) (SRL)
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WIN)
Andrew Symonds (AUS)
Kamran Akmal (wk) (PAK)
Brett Lee (AUS)
Stuart Clark (AUS)
Dale Steyn (SAF)
Muttiah Muralitharan (SRL)
Some Thoughts...
The immediately striking feature of this list is that it contains not one single England player. Furthermore, only Alistair Cook made it into the top three for any one position in the batting line up. On the bowling front both Ryan Sidebottom (who but for many a dropped catch would have been in the XI) and Monty Panesar put in good showings. Furthermore, both Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad would have figured were it not for their lack of games over the past twelve months. This indicates well where England's problems, the batting line up should be under careful scrutiny over the coming months.
The wicket keeping situation is of particular interest also. The three leading run scoring wicket keepers are not the three best wicket keepers in terms of dismissals. Whilst the number of chances created, types of chances created and type of bowler kept to obviously effect these statistics, it is still an interesting point. Most cricket fans would take Gilchrist or McCullum over Akmal, Prior or Dhoni.
Neil McKenzie and Virender Sehwag have obviously benefitted from flat tracks this past year, with a double hundred and triple hundred scored by each respecitively on the same placid wicket. However, this is a statistical XI and to have compiled such vast innings takes huge amounts of concentration, desire and skill. Matthew Hayden and Younus Khan meanwhile would have pipped McKenzie and Kumar Sangakkara, were it not for the latter two's cash-in games against Bangladesh.
Mahela Jayawardene (even discounting games against Bangladesh) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul were the stand out batsmen of the year. Both of them taumented England at different stages in the year and have shown an aptitude for not giving their wickets away. They are two batsmen deserving of the utmost respect and it would have beeen interesting to see how they would have performed in the Australian side over the past decade.
Andrew Symonds has emerged as an integral cog in the Australian middle order. For the purposes of this review only his batting was considered, but he did also boast an average of 25.27 and strike rate of 55.60 with the ball in the last twelve months. When put together with his superbly athletic fielding, he is a formidable package indeed, being able to bowl both accurate and swinging medium pace and off-spinners as well.
Dale Steyn's figures meanwhile deserve a remark. To take 78 wickets in 12 months is remarkable, even if 14 of those came in Bangladesh. He is a frightening prospect who appears to be realising his potential and the upcoming tours of England and Australia will show just how good he, and team mate Morne Morkel, are.
The final comment must be about the spin bowling department. There is no surprise about the leader here, but some concerning second and third. Both England and South Africa have notoriously been missing a quality spinner for well in excess of a decade. Monty Panesar and Paul Harris share much in common. They are out and out spin bowlers and do not pretend to be multi-faceted cricketers, although they do work hard. They have both done well to come in well ahead of Daniel Vettori, Harbajhan Singh and Danish Kaneria, although Anil Kumble was close (ave 32.68 / s/r 61.50/ eco 3.18). Meanwhile, the Australian spin bowling duo of Stuart MacGill and Brad Hogg, did not manage to average below 60 with the ball. The Australian seamers have so far been good enough to make up for this failing, but will that continue? We shall have to wait and see.
Monday, 14 April 2008
Test XI of 2007-2008
With a new domestic season fast approaching here in England, we take a brief look back on the last 12 months and the top performers at Test level, using those wonderful statistics...
Top 6 Test Openers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
McKenzie (SAF) - ave 77.62
Sehwag (IND) - ave 73.11
Hayden (AUS) - ave 62.87
Jaques (AUS) - ave 56.10
Smith (SAF) - ave 55.35
Cook (ENG) - ave 43.72
Top 3 Number 3 Batsmen (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Sangakkara (SRL) - ave 96.63
Khan (PAK) - ave 58.33
Amla (SAF) - ave 51.57
Top 3 Number 4 Batsmen (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Jayawardene (SRL) - ave 84.92
Kallis (SAF) - ave 76.68
Hussey (AUS) - ave 73.87
Top 3 Number 5 Batsmen (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Chanderpaul (WIN) - ave 91.44
Misbah-ul-haq (PAK) - ave 78.71
Clarke (AUS) - ave 66.50
Top 3 Number 6 Batsmen (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Symonds (AUS) - ave 85.50
De Villiers (SAF) - ave 54.26
Laxman (IND) - ave 53.35
Top 3 Batting Wicketkeepers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Akmal (PAK) - ave 42.30 (3 ct per match / 0.33 st)
Prior (ENG) - ave 40.14 (2.8 ct per match / 0 st)
Dhoni (IND) - ave 37.47 (1.93 ct per match / 0.36 st)
Top 3 Dismissal Wicketkeepers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Gilchrist (AUS) - ave 31.00 - 5.83 dismissals per match (5.83 ct / 0 st)
McCullum (NZL) - ave 27.33 - 4.43 dismissals per match (4.43 ct / 0 st)
Ramdin (WIN) - ave 18.00 - 3.44 dismissals per match (3.33 ct / 0.11 st)
Come back for the bowling line up and comment...
Top 6 Test Openers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
McKenzie (SAF) - ave 77.62
Sehwag (IND) - ave 73.11
Hayden (AUS) - ave 62.87
Jaques (AUS) - ave 56.10
Smith (SAF) - ave 55.35
Cook (ENG) - ave 43.72
Top 3 Number 3 Batsmen (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Sangakkara (SRL) - ave 96.63
Khan (PAK) - ave 58.33
Amla (SAF) - ave 51.57
Top 3 Number 4 Batsmen (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Jayawardene (SRL) - ave 84.92
Kallis (SAF) - ave 76.68
Hussey (AUS) - ave 73.87
Top 3 Number 5 Batsmen (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Chanderpaul (WIN) - ave 91.44
Misbah-ul-haq (PAK) - ave 78.71
Clarke (AUS) - ave 66.50
Top 3 Number 6 Batsmen (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Symonds (AUS) - ave 85.50
De Villiers (SAF) - ave 54.26
Laxman (IND) - ave 53.35
Top 3 Batting Wicketkeepers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Akmal (PAK) - ave 42.30 (3 ct per match / 0.33 st)
Prior (ENG) - ave 40.14 (2.8 ct per match / 0 st)
Dhoni (IND) - ave 37.47 (1.93 ct per match / 0.36 st)
Top 3 Dismissal Wicketkeepers (Last 12 Months – Minimum 5 Games)
Gilchrist (AUS) - ave 31.00 - 5.83 dismissals per match (5.83 ct / 0 st)
McCullum (NZL) - ave 27.33 - 4.43 dismissals per match (4.43 ct / 0 st)
Ramdin (WIN) - ave 18.00 - 3.44 dismissals per match (3.33 ct / 0.11 st)
Come back for the bowling line up and comment...
Friday, 13 April 2007
Preview: Australia vs Ireland
Ricky Ponting is looking for Australia to impose themselves once more and Ireland will have a tough time preventing them from doing so. The Aussies have lost through complacency before, but Ireland really are aiming for respectibility from this encounter. Trent Johnston leads his new nation against his old and along with Dave Langford-Smith and Jeremy Bray, he will be looking to prove that he has what it takes to play at this high level.
Ireland have not looked like winning a Super Eight game so far and that is unlikely to change. Unlike Bangladesh they really are out of their depth, although the likes of Boyd Rankin and Niall O'Brien can really look to kick on their careers after this tournament. Ireland will hope that Andre Botha will return to aide their cause. They will need all the quality they can get, even if Australia rest key players. A first game for the talented Mitchell Johnson could be on the cards, while Andrew Symonds will be looking for his first major innings of the tournament if promoted.
Prediction: Australia no sweat.
Players to watch: Andrew Symonds and Trent Johnston.
Ireland have not looked like winning a Super Eight game so far and that is unlikely to change. Unlike Bangladesh they really are out of their depth, although the likes of Boyd Rankin and Niall O'Brien can really look to kick on their careers after this tournament. Ireland will hope that Andre Botha will return to aide their cause. They will need all the quality they can get, even if Australia rest key players. A first game for the talented Mitchell Johnson could be on the cards, while Andrew Symonds will be looking for his first major innings of the tournament if promoted.
Prediction: Australia no sweat.
Players to watch: Andrew Symonds and Trent Johnston.
Sunday, 8 April 2007
Preview: England vs Australia
Following Bangladesh's brilliant win over the Proteas yesterday the World Cup has been thrown wide open again. West Indies, Bangladesh and of course England are now in with a shout of qualifying for the semi-finals, most likely at the expense of South Africa. The South Africa vs England game is likely to be the key game which decides qualification for England, but a victory here against the old enemy would really set them up well for that encounter and take them level on points with the South Africans. Top order woes persist for England and it seems as though Duncan Fletcher has finally had enough and is willing to recall a rested, but matchless, Andrew Strauss for Ed Joyce, who has yet to convince he belongs. Michael Vaughan, as captain and now part time spinner, is assured of his place, despite woeful form with the bat and Ian Bell, though slow in scoring, has nevertheless shown an ability to stay at the crease and score runs.
Many would love to see England revamp their batting order, with either Kevin Pietersen or Ravi Bopara thrown in at number three to increase the early run scoring during the powerplays. Ian Bell often plays spin quite well and would probably do well at four, able to rebuild after a collapse, or score at his slower accumalation pace outside of the fielding restrictions. Andrew Flintoff certainly needs to improve his form with the bat, because on current form he looks no more than a number eight batsman and should not be batting above seven. Prehaps a flexible line-up of Strauss, Vaughan, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood, Bopara, Flintoff, Nixon and Plunkett would be a good option for England to explore. Flexibility is key, as has often been said and England need to show more of it, not just sticking to a rigid batting line-up and throwing Flintoff in at 25 overs, whilst Bopara would be more suited for example.
Australia want to knock England out, but they can not do that in this match now, thanks to Bangladesh. England can though take a massive step towards qualification with victory, victory that would be made all the more sweeter following John Buchanan's verbal attack. One man who may have more to say than most, as usual, is Glenn McGrath, playing prehaps his last game against England and few would bet against him to go out in style, though KP will be eager to avenge his rib injury.
Prediction: With Andrew Symonds back Australia are a stronger side than the one which lost the CB series. However, minus Brett Lee, the bowling is weaker and should Brad Hodge be played in place of the injured Shane Watson, there will be overs for England to exploit from the likes of Michael Clarke and Symonds. England know how to beat Australia, but the Aussies have long memories as the latest Ashes series showed. I'm still going for England!
Players to watch: Kevin Pietersen is the talisman and will feature if England win, also watch out for Andrew Symonds' allround contribution.
Many would love to see England revamp their batting order, with either Kevin Pietersen or Ravi Bopara thrown in at number three to increase the early run scoring during the powerplays. Ian Bell often plays spin quite well and would probably do well at four, able to rebuild after a collapse, or score at his slower accumalation pace outside of the fielding restrictions. Andrew Flintoff certainly needs to improve his form with the bat, because on current form he looks no more than a number eight batsman and should not be batting above seven. Prehaps a flexible line-up of Strauss, Vaughan, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood, Bopara, Flintoff, Nixon and Plunkett would be a good option for England to explore. Flexibility is key, as has often been said and England need to show more of it, not just sticking to a rigid batting line-up and throwing Flintoff in at 25 overs, whilst Bopara would be more suited for example.
Australia want to knock England out, but they can not do that in this match now, thanks to Bangladesh. England can though take a massive step towards qualification with victory, victory that would be made all the more sweeter following John Buchanan's verbal attack. One man who may have more to say than most, as usual, is Glenn McGrath, playing prehaps his last game against England and few would bet against him to go out in style, though KP will be eager to avenge his rib injury.
Prediction: With Andrew Symonds back Australia are a stronger side than the one which lost the CB series. However, minus Brett Lee, the bowling is weaker and should Brad Hodge be played in place of the injured Shane Watson, there will be overs for England to exploit from the likes of Michael Clarke and Symonds. England know how to beat Australia, but the Aussies have long memories as the latest Ashes series showed. I'm still going for England!
Players to watch: Kevin Pietersen is the talisman and will feature if England win, also watch out for Andrew Symonds' allround contribution.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Preview: West Indies vs Australia
The Super Eight stage of the World Cup gets under way today with the hosts in action against the holders. This repeat of the recent ICC Champions Trophy Final in India last October is likely to end in the same result. Even with home support and conditions it is hard to see how a West Indies side, which has at times flattered to deceive, can overturn a powerful unit such as Australia, as they did in the group stages of the aforementioned competition.
Coming off the back of their recent demolition of World Number One side South Africa, Aussie confidence will be sky high. All of their batsman seem to now be coming into form and Matty Hayden looks back to his brilliant best in ODI cricket, after a long lean spell. With Andrew Symonds restored to the side and Shane Watson performing well with the bat at seven, Australia look like a side full of runs, despite Michael Hussey's lack of form thus far.
The bowling needs some work though, with Watson, Shaun Tait and even Glenn McGrath looking like they could go for a few. Still, the West Indies just don't appear to have the same wicket taking threat in their bowling department, aside from Jerome Taylor and their lack of a premier spinner is a problem. Expect runs, entertainment and an Australian victory.
Prediction: Australia to repeat their ICC Champions Trophy success.
Players to Watch: Chris Gayle and Michael Clarke.
Coming off the back of their recent demolition of World Number One side South Africa, Aussie confidence will be sky high. All of their batsman seem to now be coming into form and Matty Hayden looks back to his brilliant best in ODI cricket, after a long lean spell. With Andrew Symonds restored to the side and Shane Watson performing well with the bat at seven, Australia look like a side full of runs, despite Michael Hussey's lack of form thus far.
The bowling needs some work though, with Watson, Shaun Tait and even Glenn McGrath looking like they could go for a few. Still, the West Indies just don't appear to have the same wicket taking threat in their bowling department, aside from Jerome Taylor and their lack of a premier spinner is a problem. Expect runs, entertainment and an Australian victory.
Prediction: Australia to repeat their ICC Champions Trophy success.
Players to Watch: Chris Gayle and Michael Clarke.
Saturday, 24 March 2007
Previews: England vs Kenya and South Africa vs Australia
Two hard games to call today. With the tournament having already lost Pakistan and saving a miracle, India, England are in danger of also bowing out this afternoon. According to Paul Collingwood, they are taking the threat of Kenya extremely seriously and so they should. The shock quarter finalists from 2003 possess a particuarly accurate spin attack and England will know all to well that they have succumbed to spin on slow wickets all too many times before. If England win the toss they will win, but should Steve Tikolo call correctly, then England will be facing a tough challenge. England will need KP and hopefully Ravi Bopara will maintain his place in the side, at the expense of the so far disappointing Jamie Dalrymple.
The other match is of course a Super Eight tie and encounters between the top two teams in world one day cricket are rarely spectacles to be missed. Playing on a good pitch with small boundaries, I wouldn't rule out the mighty 400 marker being reached again. However, the bowling in both sides is better than during the last series these two played. The toss, as per usual, will be crucial, as will Andrew Symonds' return from injury. The key question though is, will he be at his best? If he is then the difference which he can make to the Australian team will probably be sufficient to see them triumph, if not, then South Africa may be able to get on top of the Aussie middle order. South Africa are the form team going into this match.
England vs Kenya:
Prediction: I can say nothing other than an England victory, because the alternative result would be devastating for English cricket.
Players to watch: Kevin Pietersen and Steve Tikolo.
South Africa vs Australia:
Prediction: South Africa are the side who have looked stronger so far, but they may have hit form too early.
Players to watch: Herschelle Gibbs and Andrew Symonds.
The other match is of course a Super Eight tie and encounters between the top two teams in world one day cricket are rarely spectacles to be missed. Playing on a good pitch with small boundaries, I wouldn't rule out the mighty 400 marker being reached again. However, the bowling in both sides is better than during the last series these two played. The toss, as per usual, will be crucial, as will Andrew Symonds' return from injury. The key question though is, will he be at his best? If he is then the difference which he can make to the Australian team will probably be sufficient to see them triumph, if not, then South Africa may be able to get on top of the Aussie middle order. South Africa are the form team going into this match.
England vs Kenya:
Prediction: I can say nothing other than an England victory, because the alternative result would be devastating for English cricket.
Players to watch: Kevin Pietersen and Steve Tikolo.
South Africa vs Australia:
Prediction: South Africa are the side who have looked stronger so far, but they may have hit form too early.
Players to watch: Herschelle Gibbs and Andrew Symonds.
Thursday, 22 February 2007
Enough competition yet, John?
A few weeks ago, John Buchanan was bemoaning the lack of competition being provided by England and New Zealand. Two humbling series defeats later and the outgoing coach is having to make assurances all is well in the Aussie camp. But complacency, injuries and hitherto hidden weaknesses mean that is not the case.
Australia’s primary aim this winter was regaining the Ashes: that they achieved in spectacular fashion. Having beaten England in the arena they were notionally superior in, they inevitably thought they would be similarly subservient in the CB Series. That they were – but, after losing five games out of six, the tourists, helped by some uncharacteristically poor Australian fielding, finally awoke. Momentum finally theirs, they proceeded to upset their hosts in the finals – despite missing at least three first-choice players. A makeshift Australian squad then travelled to New Zealand for the Chapell-Hadlee series – only to suffer their first ever 10-wicket defeat and twice have seemingly impregnable scores overhauled en route to a 3-0 humiliation.
While the return of Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist (albeit only for the Super Eight games) will help, Australia’s aura – and number one ranking – has been eroded in time to give hope to the other seven challengers. Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee and now Matthew Hayden, three pillars of their ODI side, will not be fit for the start of the tournament, and will each almost certainly miss the crunch game against South Africa.
Until they are fit enough to play or are withdrawn from the squad, they will occupy places that could be filled with fit replacements; and, given that squads only comprise 15 men, it would be ludicrous for Australia to keep both the injured trio and Gilchrist in the squad, hence leaving them down to 11 names for the start of the tournament. For Buchanan, it seems that nemesis is following hubris.
Areas of Australian concern:
Openers
Adam Gilchrist and the revitalised Matthew Hayden are a partnership to fear – but both will miss the game against South Africa, while Hayden must be considered a major doubt for the latter stages. Brad Haddin can be explosive but currently only averages 25, while Hayden’s probable replacement, Phil Jaques, has long proved himself as a phenomenal first-class player but has only played 6 ODIs.
Middle-order batting
At the ICC Champions Trophy, which Australia won in such imperious fashion, their middle-order was perhaps the finest in the history of the limited-overs game. Damien Martyn, a wonderful one-day accumulator, was brilliant at number four; he was followed by the adaptable Michael Clarke, the explosive Andrew Symonds and the consummate finisher Michael Hussey.
Martyn, despite his success in that tournament, retired from all cricket in December. If Symonds is out too, their middle-order will suddenly look less convincing. Their best option is probably to play Clarke at four, Hussey at five, Brad Hodge – who has twice scored unbeaten 90s against New Zealand of late but can be susceptible to the short-ball – at six and Shane Watson at seven. It’s still formidable, but lacks the experience and sheer class of four months ago.
The fifth bowler
Shane Watson is primarily a batsman; though the same could be said of Symonds, he is a highly-adaptable and experienced ODI bowler very well-suited to the Caribbean pitches. Watson, though he has much potential, may be expensive in the West Indies.
Brad Hogg
Possibly Australia’s biggest concern. Many countries will play two spinners in the West Indies; Australia may be forced to play none (save for the occasional bowling of Michael Clarke). Hogg is 37 and his idiosyncratic style appears to have been worked out by batsmen of late – he has gone for 5.9 an over in his last five games. Especially without Symonds, Australia would like a front-line spinner – but can they risk getting 20 overs from Hogg, Watson and Clarke?
Fast-bowling
Brett Lee is clearly Australia’s finest ODI bowler, a masterful exponent of the yorker with a superb temperament. He is also a sufficiently feisty batsman to play at eight, should Hogg not be in the side. Without him, Australia will have to rely on Glenn McGrath – a liability in the field of late -, the proven ODI swing of Nathan Bracken and either the much-vaunted but slightly inconsistent Mitchell Johnson or the explosive, volatile gifts of Shaun Tait. Of those, the first two could be exposed if the ball doesn’t swing or seam, while the latter two are both unproven and, as shown in recent games, potentially very expensive. Meanwhile, the probable first-choice replacement, Stuart Clark, lacks variety and control of the white ball – he has gone for five an over his ODI career.
If two from Lee, Symonds and Hayden are ruled out Australia’s World Cup side will look eminently beatable. While the batting remains excellent, serious doubts remain over the bowling attack, particularly bowling second; indeed New Zealand have already scored in excess of 330 batting last against Australia twice this year.
Would this side be good enough to retain the World Cup?
Gilchrist (Haddin for group games)
Jaques
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Hodge
Watson
Two from Hogg, Tait & Johnson
Bracken
McGrath
Australia’s primary aim this winter was regaining the Ashes: that they achieved in spectacular fashion. Having beaten England in the arena they were notionally superior in, they inevitably thought they would be similarly subservient in the CB Series. That they were – but, after losing five games out of six, the tourists, helped by some uncharacteristically poor Australian fielding, finally awoke. Momentum finally theirs, they proceeded to upset their hosts in the finals – despite missing at least three first-choice players. A makeshift Australian squad then travelled to New Zealand for the Chapell-Hadlee series – only to suffer their first ever 10-wicket defeat and twice have seemingly impregnable scores overhauled en route to a 3-0 humiliation.
While the return of Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist (albeit only for the Super Eight games) will help, Australia’s aura – and number one ranking – has been eroded in time to give hope to the other seven challengers. Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee and now Matthew Hayden, three pillars of their ODI side, will not be fit for the start of the tournament, and will each almost certainly miss the crunch game against South Africa.
Until they are fit enough to play or are withdrawn from the squad, they will occupy places that could be filled with fit replacements; and, given that squads only comprise 15 men, it would be ludicrous for Australia to keep both the injured trio and Gilchrist in the squad, hence leaving them down to 11 names for the start of the tournament. For Buchanan, it seems that nemesis is following hubris.
Areas of Australian concern:
Openers
Adam Gilchrist and the revitalised Matthew Hayden are a partnership to fear – but both will miss the game against South Africa, while Hayden must be considered a major doubt for the latter stages. Brad Haddin can be explosive but currently only averages 25, while Hayden’s probable replacement, Phil Jaques, has long proved himself as a phenomenal first-class player but has only played 6 ODIs.
Middle-order batting
At the ICC Champions Trophy, which Australia won in such imperious fashion, their middle-order was perhaps the finest in the history of the limited-overs game. Damien Martyn, a wonderful one-day accumulator, was brilliant at number four; he was followed by the adaptable Michael Clarke, the explosive Andrew Symonds and the consummate finisher Michael Hussey.
Martyn, despite his success in that tournament, retired from all cricket in December. If Symonds is out too, their middle-order will suddenly look less convincing. Their best option is probably to play Clarke at four, Hussey at five, Brad Hodge – who has twice scored unbeaten 90s against New Zealand of late but can be susceptible to the short-ball – at six and Shane Watson at seven. It’s still formidable, but lacks the experience and sheer class of four months ago.
The fifth bowler
Shane Watson is primarily a batsman; though the same could be said of Symonds, he is a highly-adaptable and experienced ODI bowler very well-suited to the Caribbean pitches. Watson, though he has much potential, may be expensive in the West Indies.
Brad Hogg
Possibly Australia’s biggest concern. Many countries will play two spinners in the West Indies; Australia may be forced to play none (save for the occasional bowling of Michael Clarke). Hogg is 37 and his idiosyncratic style appears to have been worked out by batsmen of late – he has gone for 5.9 an over in his last five games. Especially without Symonds, Australia would like a front-line spinner – but can they risk getting 20 overs from Hogg, Watson and Clarke?
Fast-bowling
Brett Lee is clearly Australia’s finest ODI bowler, a masterful exponent of the yorker with a superb temperament. He is also a sufficiently feisty batsman to play at eight, should Hogg not be in the side. Without him, Australia will have to rely on Glenn McGrath – a liability in the field of late -, the proven ODI swing of Nathan Bracken and either the much-vaunted but slightly inconsistent Mitchell Johnson or the explosive, volatile gifts of Shaun Tait. Of those, the first two could be exposed if the ball doesn’t swing or seam, while the latter two are both unproven and, as shown in recent games, potentially very expensive. Meanwhile, the probable first-choice replacement, Stuart Clark, lacks variety and control of the white ball – he has gone for five an over his ODI career.
If two from Lee, Symonds and Hayden are ruled out Australia’s World Cup side will look eminently beatable. While the batting remains excellent, serious doubts remain over the bowling attack, particularly bowling second; indeed New Zealand have already scored in excess of 330 batting last against Australia twice this year.
Would this side be good enough to retain the World Cup?
Gilchrist (Haddin for group games)
Jaques
Ponting
Clarke
Hussey
Hodge
Watson
Two from Hogg, Tait & Johnson
Bracken
McGrath
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